A hundred years ago there was no social security system in Australia. Charitable relief was provided to needy persons by voluntary organisations, in some cases with the assistance of government grants. The main areas of need that attracted assistance were the ‘sick poor’, neglected children, old people who were destitute and women who had been deserted or who had ‘fallen’ pregnant. The unemployed were assisted by grants of wages, or rations, in return for relief work provided by the government.

Pensions for aged people were introduced in Australia in 1909, which was the beginning of the national provision of social security payments. Since then many other regular income payments have been added to provide income security to groups such as:

the retired

people with disabilities

the sick

the unemployed

families.

The provision of income to these groups aims to ensure that people have adequate levels of income to support themselves and their dependants. Carers of these particular groups are also entitled to various benefits.

Income maintenance payments are provided to individuals by the Commonwealth Government, primarily through the Department of Family and Community Services (FaCS) and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).

In Tasmania, local governments may also provide council rate remissions for those holding a Pensioner Concession Card.

DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

FaCS is responsible for putting to work the Government's social support policies for families, working-age people and those who are retired. The Department also manages the delivery of services for people with disabilities, families with children, community support (excluding the Home and Community Care Program), family relationships, and welfare housing.

DVA is responsible for serving members of Australia's veteran and defence force communities, their war widows/widowers, widows/widowers and dependants through programs of care, compensation, commemoration and defence support services.